ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a research that was based on an analysis of the flexion of the lumbar region during daily work in a traditional office by means of time lapse photography. In the modern electronic office, the importance of height adjustment increases as many workers will have to assume constrained postures for many hours with highly repetitive work. The traditional recommendations include low furniture and “effective” lumbar support, but results have been disappointing. The present CEN standards will apparently result in unnecessary flexion, strain and pain of the back. As there is no scientific basis for the CEN standards, they adversely affect the health of millions of people. During the investigation the participants were left alone working in a shielded corner of a large office. Lines were drawn on the photographs between the marks on the clothes and the angles measured. Although the furniture in the work-place was easily adjustable, most had previously been used at standard height.
